Real-time Fabrication Analysis of Molds for Concrete Elements

In his PhD. Thesis, Dr. Austern developed an analysis method which evaluates the fabrication parameters of complex geometries. The method predicts the feasibility, material use, and machining time required for fabricating moulds. It achieves this by interrogating geometric properties instead of the traditional machining simulations. Using the algorithms developed in this research, the method can provide real-time evaluation of computer-controlled mould fabrication techniques such as cutting and assembling sheet materials, multi-axis milling of volumetric material, and robotic hot wire cutting. The analysis results provide precise cost estimates and help minimize fabrication resources for real architectural case studies using manual or automatic fabrication optimization processes.